Title: Dissonance Volume 1: Reality

Author: Aaron Ryan

Genre: Sci-Fi Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic

 

Dissonance: Reality marks the first installment of a compelling new sci-fi series that follows the journey of Jet as he navigates an apocalyptic landscape. Set against the backdrop of a world invaded by mindless gorgons for sixteen years, the planet has become a dangerous place where these creatures utilize noise and movement as tools for hunting their prey.

Set in the year 2024, Dissonance: Reality unveils a world tormented for sixteen years since the invasion of the Gorgons. The opening scene is captivating and will leave the readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will unfold next. With a blend of intense plot progression and vivid descriptions, the author creates an immersive experience that engages the reader from the get-go.

The plausibility of this book is intriguing as the author brings in real-world events from our current time in 2024, creating a sense of uneasiness for the reader. With the relatability of the war currently happening in Europe, the reader can fully relate to the start of the book in understanding how the world was severely disconnected, making it easy for an alien race to overpower human life. From this, the author has created a sci-fi story that can be viewed by the reader as plausible and convincing as they can envision a future where the consequences of political angst echo across the pages.

Readers will find themselves seamlessly transported to the gray and bleak setting alongside the characters when reading this book. The author provides descriptive details of the setting and the Gorgon, allowing the audience to be immersed in each scene fully. The world-building is well-developed, as readers will not be left feeling they need clarity or that the context is underdeveloped. It is clear throughout this book where the characters are, where they are heading on their journey, and where they are based. With such clear description provided, readers will likely find themselves excited for what will come next.

Dissonance: Reality has provided a story where the characters are meticulously developed and relatable, creating an emotionally investing read. Narrated from the point of view of the protagonist, Jet is a young soldier navigating his way through a new world of torment and destruction. A key relationship is between Jet and his younger brother, Rutty, a relationship many readers will resonate with, creating an emotional tie between the reader and the story. The love the brothers have for each other, and how close they are, adds a personal touch to this story.

The reader will likely find that the characters presented throughout this book are relatable and likable. Through meaningful relationships with characters Ally, Joe, and Fox, Jet gains valuable insight that contributes to the growth and development of his character. The narrative emphasizes how important it is for Jet to trust his instincts as he navigates challenges and learns to rely on his intuition.

Moments such as the poignant deaths of characters and the discovery of Nevaeh, an innocent child lost in the mindset of chaos, add profound layers to the storyline. By finding Nevaeh, this introduces a humanizing element into the apocalyptic setting, making the reader aware of the fragility of innocence in a world overrun by Gorgons. These scenes ensure the reader is not merely an observer but an active participant in the journey with the characters.

Swiftly navigating through scenes, the fast-paced reading this book provides enhances the overall experience for the reader. Readers may feel their hearts racing, their minds accelerated, and their hands growing sweating as they delve into the harrowing descriptions of the Gorgons and the intensity of the scenes featuring these creatures. Throughout the book, there isn’t a moment that will leave the reader bored or confused as the narrative is impeccably written and effortlessly easy to follow. The reader will find that the story has been written to produce a highly engaging and seamless reading experience.

Apocalyptic stories aren’t anything new, and the situations occurring during them can seem repetitive throughout literature. However, the author has achieved an original flare on a standard sci-fi trope. Readers who don’t necessarily enjoy sci-fi could find that they thoroughly enjoy this book.

Readers may feel dissatisfied with the resolution at the end of the book as it comes across as abrupt and a little predictable. With sci-fi stories, it can often be predictable what comes at the end of a book; however, with this being the first installment of a series, the reader may be able to predict the ending of Volume 1, but unable to predict what will happen in the next book. Although somewhat abrupt, the ending itself does provide a good place for the next book to start.

Dissonance: Reality offers a gripping first installment to what will be an intense sci-fi series. Ryan has created an immersive experience that transports readers from the pages of the book into the Gorgon-invaded world by using vivid imagery and descriptions. With immersive character development, the book offers a unique twist that sets it apart from conventional storytelling within the genre.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.